Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice restaurant founder Wee Toon Ouut dies aged 81

Condolences.

Belmont Lay | October 13, 2019, 08:12 PM

Wee Toon Ouut, founder of popular local chicken rice brand Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant, died on Sunday, Oct. 13.

He was 81.

Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice announced Wee's passing in a Facebook post on Sunday.

No details on the cause of death was given.

"As a mark of respect, all our restaurant and outlets will be closed on Saturday 19 October 2019, to send him off on his final journey," it wrote.

The post said Wee's "warm smile and sincere personality will be missed by all".

It also apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure.

Since 1989

Wee founded Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice in 1989.

The chain then expanded into the Philippines, Japan, Korea and Indonesia.

There are four branches in Singapore, including three restaurants at United Square, Marina Square & I12 Katong malls, as well as a stall at Makansutra Gluttons Bay @ the Esplanade.

The post also said Wee's philosophy of cooking for customers like how a "mum cooks with passion for their children" will be upheld.

The post read: "Rest In Peace, Towkay! - From all of us in the WNK family!"